Fraud Attorney in Dunedin, Florida

In the state of Florida, fraud involves any offense committed using deceitful means in order to achieve illegal financial gain. Facing fraud charges can have a devastating impact on your freedom, quality of life, personal reputation, and professional future. With your career and every aspect of your life at stake, it is natural to feel terrified and overwhelmed when charged with fraud. 

If you've been arrested and charged with fraud or if you're under investigation for committing a fraud offense, retaining an aggressive and highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorney is paramount to help strategize your defense. At Venessa Bornost, P.A., I'm dedicated to offering comprehensive legal counsel and strong representation to clients facing criminal charges. 

As your attorney, I can review and investigate every detail of your unique situation and outline a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. Using my extensive knowledge, I will represent you vigorously in your case, refute the accusations against you with overwhelming facts, and help keep your record as clean as possible. 

My firm – Venessa Bornost, P.A. – proudly represents clients throughout Dunedin, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County and Pasco County.

Understanding Fraud  

Fraud involves any deliberate act done in order to obtain an unlawful financial gain or benefit for yourself or someone else. According to Florida Communications Fraud Act, "any person who engages in a scheme to defraud and obtains property thereby is guilty of organized fraud." 

Elements Necessary to Prove Fraud  

In order to establish a fraud crime in Florida, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant's actions included the following elements: 

• The defendant knew that their statement was false. 

• The defendant intentionally made a false statement or misrepresentation of material fact. 

• The defendant had an intention to defraud or dupe the victim. 

• The victim relied upon the false statement or misrepresentation of a material fact made by the defendant. 

• Someone (a victim) suffered harm or actually damages due to the misrepresentation or false statement. 

A skilled attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your charges, determine the best way to help fight back against the fraud allegations, and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow. 

Types of Fraud 

Here are some of the most common types of fraud crimes addressed by various state and federal laws: 

• Insurance fraud 

• Bankruptcy fraud 

• Business fraud 

• Workers' compensation fraud 

• Identity theft 

• Mortgage fraud 

• Wire fraud 

• Real estate fraud 

• Public assistance fraud 

• Multi-level marketing fraud 

• Internet fraud 

• Bank fraud 

• Investment and securities fraud 

• Medicare fraud 

• Check and credit card fraud 

• Financial fraud 

• Tax fraud or tax evasion 

• Forgery 

• Mail fraud 

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for a fraud crime, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney straight away. Your defense counsel can evaluate all of the facts of your case and help you understand the possible penalties and long-term consequences. 

Possible Penalties 

In the state of Florida, the punishment for fraud charges can be devastating. Depending on the nature of the charges, the defendant's criminal history, and other aggravating circumstances, the potential penalties and consequences for fraud conviction include: 

• Hefty fines 

• Imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• Community service 

• Probation 

• A criminal record/history 

• Restitution to the victims 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans 

• Increased difficulty in securing public benefits or government assistance 

• Increased difficulty in securing employment and housing 

However, every case is unique. An experienced Florida fraud defense attorney can intervene quickly on your behalf, take preemptive measures to prevent a case from being filed against you, and help you avoid or mitigate the far-reaching implications of a criminal conviction. 

Get Dependable Legal Action Today  

Navigating the judiciary system or defending your fraud accusations without detailed guidance and representation is never advisable. If convicted, you could be facing lengthy incarceration, substantial fines, a criminal record, a damaged reputation, and other severe life-changing ramifications. Therefore, when charged with fraud, it is imperative that you hire a dependable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for proper guidance and to determine your best defenses. 

At Venessa Bornost, P.A., I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and defending individuals who have been charged with fraud. As your legal counsel, I will review every aspect of your case, work to understand your specific situation, and strategize an effective defense that will increase the possibility of achieving the most favorable outcome for your case. Also, I will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and make sure you get fair treatment in every phase of the legal process.